Wanted Matt O’Riley is set to be the subject of a £25m bid plus add-ons from determined Brighton as they step up their pursuit of their No.1 target.
But Atalanta might not be out after they revealed their superstar midfielder Teun Koopmeiners wants to leave the Europa League winners and join Juventus’ major rebuild led by Thiago Motta. A report in Italy claims it’s the Seagulls who are in the box seat and are ready to meet Celtic’s demands to sell their marquee player. But the statement hinted Atalanta were cooling on a new midfielder, focusing on adding a forward to a side which is headed back to the Champions League.
However, things changed overnight after a bombshell from Bergamo. An exasperated Gian Piero Gasperini – speaking to Eco di Bergamo – said: “It was all going to plan until last week then Teun Koopmeiners informed us that he wants to join Juventus. He doesn’t want to train or play with us anymore.”
Gasperini is a major admirer of the 23-year-old and Celtic appear in a strong position to maximise the value if they sell their star turn – if they decide to cash in on a player who has suitors in multiple countries. Brendan Rodgers insisted last week that interested parties must pay for the value of the player not of the Scottish Premiership.
Southampton are also long-term fans with Russell Martin previously managing the Denmark international when the pair worked together at MK Dons – with both full of praise for the other.
